CONSCIENTIOUS cook Sue Dotchin took a temporary job in an Oxfordshire school kitchen - and ended up staying for 40 years without taking a single day off.

Now her dedication to her work has been recognised with a top honour from Oxfordshire County Council.

Mrs Dotchin, 63, from Hale Road in Benson, South Oxfordshire, has a long association with the school she has become such an integral part of.

She went there as a child - as did her brothers and sisters, her daughters and her parents and grandparents.

She said: "The whole family has been involved with the school in one form or another.

"When I first left school I worked in a wool shop in Wallingford.

"But when my daughters were small and ready to go to Benson School I was asked if I would like a little temporary job in the kitchens - that was 40 years ago.

"I started with preparing vegetables and such like, but I've been the cook there for the past 17 years.

"I love my job, I love the children and I love seeing them return to the school as parents of the next generation.

"I have never felt I was too tired or fed up to go to work, which is why I've never missed a day.

"If I felt I wasn't enjoying the job then I would retire - but I can't see that happening for a long time."

County council chairman Liz Brighouse presented Mrs Dotchin with a special Chairman's Award in honour of her exemplary record.

Mrs Dotchin is hot on healthy eating.

She said: "I encourage the children to eat healthily - just as I did with their parents when they were children here."

And speaking about the award she added: "I never expected anything like that, but it is nice to be thanked and to have your work recognised."

Benson School headteacher Linda Neely said: "Sue is amazing.

"She is an absolutely wonderful lady and the children love her to bits, a real asset to the school.

"Sue is a lady with traditional and honest values and I am sure that is what is behind this incredible track record. She fully deserves the award."